a list of some nice things you can do for yourself until spring

Got the Winter blues? Can't wait for the beautiful Springtime rebirth? Well I hear you. So here is my list of nice things you can do for yourself until Spring springs. Do the first one that catches your eye. Or be indulgent and do them all. Why not? Winter is yucky.

1. Give yourself the gift of mood-enhancing endorphins. How do you get them? Join a new exercise class this week and stick with it, religiously. I have. After the gym, I feel great. (Before the gym, I want to eat a lot of biscotti.)

2. Buy yourself a moisturizer in a scent you love. You deserve to smell great. I love Gardenia-scented Shikai.

3. Resolve to read a new book each week. Think of all the new thoughts you will have. Stimulate your mind.

4. Go to a museum and have an epiphany. I want to pay a visit to the Klimt at the Neue Gallery and see the Spanish Painting exhibition at the Guggenheim.


5. Start a blog or other giant project and stick with it. You will be happy with your creative output.

6. Treat yourself to a facial at a spa you've been eager to try. And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize until Spring springs.

7. Investigate the notion of purchasing a quality hairbrush and ponder how it just might be a good investment afterall. I was watching this segment on Martha Stewart all about how to keep your hair healthy and shiny (you know, she used to be a Breck Girl). Martha's stylist, Eva Scrivo, recommended to brush your hair everyday to stimulate the natural oils in your scalp. You know, it works. I got myself a really nice brush at C.O. Bigelow in the West Village. A great place! Have you been? I got one brush for home, and a travel size for my gym bag. Why not. I decided I'm worth it.

8. Browse Sephora and experiment with a new eye color. While your at it, see what new lip color flatters your face.

9. Aromatherapy. Isn't there a candle out there you've been wanting? Bring it home and change your home environment with a new scent. Curl up with a good book and smell the smells.

10. Cook a new recipe each week. There are great ones on Epicurious. Just type in an ingredient that appeals to you, and go to town! Do it on the cheap. Use your existing cookware. The point is just to get cooking!

11. Try a new food every week. Have you ever made leeks? Now is the time to make a nice potato & leek soup. Cutting leeks is mesmerizing. I am always fascinated by the mathmatical patterns that underly vegetables. The way the leaves come off the stalk. I love leeks. They are mysterious. And super healthy!


12. Focus Focus Focus. Choose a project on your To-Do List that has been nagging you and vow to complete it. Give yourself a time limit and set your Egg Timer to get through it. Just be done with it! You (and I) will feel great.

13. Call a friend instead of e-mailing. Make real contact.

14. Put fresh flowers in the bathroom. It will feel like you are on vacation.